Dow CEO: US Needs Industrial Policy DEARBORN, MICH. (Michigan Radio) - The head of Midland-based Dow Chemical says the U.S. needs a new industrial policy if it's going to remain globally competitive.

Andrew Liveris told members of the Detroit Economic Club that the people who run things in Washington and on Wall Street have helped create an industrial crisis in the U.S.

"And I'm concerned," he said, "most concerned that the United States is forfeiting its position as the indispensable nation."

Liveris says a comprehensive energy policy, and steps to cut taxes, regulations, and health care costs for businesses should be part of a national industrial policy.

Liveris will co-chair an event sponsored by the Economic Club next summer to come up with a plan for keeping the U.S. competitive in the global economy. The National Summit will be held in mid-June at Ford Field in Detroit.

Ford executive chairman Bill Ford will co-chair the summit. He says it's time for the U.S. to deal with the repercussions of a global economy.

"We don't have a plan," Ford told members of the Detroit Economic Club today, "and sometimes it seems like we don't have a clue."

Contact Sarah Hulett at sarahhu@umich.edu © Copyright 2009, Michigan Radio